151 replies to this topic

[TWoP Lockley]

Mrs. Tran and Kevin create a demon bomb to use against Crowley. Meanwhile, Sam and Dean are shocked when Castiel appears and tells them that he escaped from purgatory.

[Vaya]

Mrs Tran makes every episode better.

Cas makes every episode better.

Mrs. Train x Cas is exponential improvement.


My last thought? Hah! Cas got called to the principal's office!

[Kimit]

This is the first episode this season that I've actually enjoyed. I'm pretty sure it's because Sam and Dean were working together, didn't fight, and didn't really have any angst between them. Also, no Sam "perfect life" flashbacks or even a mention of Amelia. It was a nice break.

[hat]

Wow, what a difference between this episode and that crap that was last week. Now this is good stuff. Mrs Tran was fun and the witch was great! I wish they would bring her back.

Dean, oh Dean. You take so much on yourself. I thought the parts with Dean and Cas were just fucking fantastic! I love how Cas understands Dean in a way that Sam never has.

I guess Cas really did let go, because he needed to do penance. I think Dean and Cas are a lot alike.

The part where Benny goes into Dean's arm was awesome! They truly are blood brothers.

All in all, this was very satisfying. Poor Cas, spying on the Winchesters. I bet that's a job he won't mind. :D

[Bonnie753]

Amanda Tapping on Supernatural! Awesome! I wonder what her character's agenda is and is she really an angel? I also liked this ep for no angst between Dean and Sam and no Amelia.

[MelindaBB]

Good stuff! I thought it might've been something like this... that Dean remembered Cas letting go, but Cas remembered letting go himself, and in such a traumatic moment, Dean couldn't see it clearly. Oh man. JA was really, really good in this one, wasn't he? That disturbed, creeped out, hopeful demeanor Dean had throughout most of the ep, and then at the end, he still feels something isn't right. That performance really set the tone in the episode.

There were a lot of things to like about this ep, including but not limited to the sassy opportunistic witch, the Trans, Chuck being dead (aw), the creepy Cas sightings, and the gang getting back together. Cas is feeling strangely disconnected, though, even without knowing about his unwilling role as angel spy. Not sure what that is.

[shamangrrl]

So, Sam is bipoloar, right? Or the writers of this episode? Since when is Sam all caring, sharing and supportive? Not that I mind, but it's at complete opposite of every other episode this season. The whiplash is extremely painful. And makes no sense.

Also, Crowley is more powerful than Angels, now? He can capture, contain, torture them at will? And apparently, every Tom, Dick and Harry can kill Angels and handle Angel Swords? And I'm still not buying Crowley as the Big Bad. The Big Bad Wannabe, but there's no menace. Even during the torture scene, wasn't feeling the danger and menace.

WTF?

This was written by Singer's wife and writing partner, right? They should NEVER be allowed to write another episode. The tone veered all over the place, Sam was some holdover from emo-season 1 that made no sense (especially given the viripitude, bile and idiocy that ended the last episode), Mama Tran seemed to be beamed in from some other show, Samandrial (who I kind of liked or at least wanted to know more of in his first outing) was completely wasted, Dean was guilty-emo-boy, wallowing in the usual cesspool of unearned guilt and self-blame (again and forever)...

WTF?

At least Castiel is back. And he seems to still care about Dean, and Dean still seems to care about him.

That, and JA is looking even better with every episode, no matter how impossible that would seem.

See? I can say something nice about Show.


Oh, one more thing. Dean, please shiv Naomi the soonest. Thanks! And why does the next episode look like Filler? Again?

[Kojuro]

Oh Dean! He really thought it was his fault. And in this case it makes sense, as opposed to empty angst, as the whole experience was traumatic and it's only natural that's what he'd believe happened.

It's nice to see how Cas "gets" Dean, it's really not that hard for anyone who isn't related to him by blood. LOL It seems clear to me Cas believes the fact that Dean tries so hard to save everyone is admirable, a good thing - he just wants Dean to try to not blame himself quite so much when he can't, because some people/things don't want to be or can't be saved. Sometimes just trying is the best that can be done. It's what makes Dean a hero, imo and why he's managed to pull things off that others would have thought of as impossible. He doesn't give up.

But he needs to learn not to blame himself or see it as a failure on his part. The fact that he even tries and tries so hard is more than many would do. Given how he was raised and given that what he's been told even in the years of his adulthood, it's just reinforced those twisted, terrible lessons he learned growing up at John Winchester's knee - that he's responsible, for everyone and everything and if something happens, it's his fault. But of course, sometimes people/things can't be saved because they don't want to be. It's like coming to understand you can't force a drug addict to get off drugs, you can try but if they refuse you're help, time and time again, at a certain point you have to realize you can't save them.

Someone mentioned it above and I do think that Dean and Cas have certain similarities but they can balance each other out too. They both have a lot of heart, they both care a lot and they both give it their all.

Jensen Ackles did a great job portraying Dean's varying emotions, he's golden.

Dean was so bad ass. Loved the kill of the demon that was behind him! Dean being bad ass is really half the battle IMO. Loved the Purgatory flashbacks, they are always excellent. I really could watch entire episodes of Dean, Cas and Benny fighting their way through Purgatory to be honest. I hope this isn't the end of them.

I'm glad they got at least half the tablet. The Witch was also a lot of fun, even if she did turn them over to Crowley.

Overall a very enjoyable episode and a lifesaver after last week's, which turned from an OK episode into an almost total disaster near the end of the episode.

That disturbed, creeped out, hopeful demeanor Dean had throughout most of the ep, and then at the end, he still feels something isn't right. That performance really set the tone in the episode.

Perfect description. Like I said, Jensen Ackles was golden. He is so damn good.

Dean listen to those instincts. They have never let you down in the past. You are right, something is not right. He so wants to be just be pleased Castiel is back but he senses it's just not completely right.

but it's at complete opposite of every other episode this season. The whiplash is extremely painful. And makes no sense.

It does in a way. Sam, after the end of last week's tripe, thinks he's in control of the relationship again. He got the "last word" against the brother who didn't even remember what he'd said under the influence of a possession(the same situation Sam has asked for and gotten "passes" for his own words in the past), he feels like he came out top dog. Sam usually manages to "deign" to act supportive for an episode or two after he feels he's come out on top. I wouldn't worry, I'm sure he'll be back to his usual self soon enough. :)

Edited by Kojuro, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:54 PM.

[jediknight]

I love that we got The Animals at the beginning of the episode. That was awesome.

I was wrong about Cas in Purgatory. I figured he went native, and Cas and Benny had to kill him. Although Cas thinking he needed to pay for what he had done was a nice touch. Somewhat reminds me of Angel, and how everyone thought no matter what they did, it would never balance out. So if they want to have Cas continue to seek redemption, that would be cool.

I love being unspoiled, and missing the credits, because I didn't know Amanda Tapping would show up. Now please use her better than you used Michael Shanks.

[lynnea6]

That was awfully nice of those demons to congregate together so Sam could take all of them out with one demon bomb (it still was cool though). Could they not exorcise the demon that was in the trunk rather than stabbing him? I can understand stabbing the demons that were attacking, but he wasn't going anywhere.

The Purgatory storyline was great as usual, and I was really happy that Dean wasn't responsible for leaving Cas behind. Glowing Cas was awesome.

It's like they completely forgot what happened the last five minutes of last week's show, which is fine with me.

[WynterWolf]

I can't even process all the awesomeness that was Dean and Cas in this ep. And Naomi, you little shit! I kind of love her though. And I am intrigued by what her agenda is!! But Dean and Cas, they were amazing and heartbreaking and next week they get to be hilarious.

[ster1]

Wow, the special effects team really went to town on this one! Good stuff.

In other news......Cas!! My little angel baby! It's so good to see your pretty blue eyes and badass wings - things haven't been the same without you. As you can see, your friend Dean missed you horribly and Sam even started back up on his lithium in your honor (or he had a lobotomy, I'm not sure which.) Please don't go away again.

[Parcae3]

Well, considering how really worried I was about this ep, I am so glad to see that it turned out good! I agree, it is bipolar with the Sam writing considering last week, but honestly, it was such a relief to be free of his pissyness for at least this episode, I will deal with it.

And yes! Freaking fantastic that Dean DIDN'T just leave Castiel! In fact, he thought he failed Cass cause Cass let go, and it turns out, Castiel let go on purpose and TOLD him to leave him! Dean, with his "I am to blame for every failure to save the people I love" self-esteem, couldn't see that. Because of course, it must be his fault that Cass wasn't saved, not that Cass didn't want to be saved. That was lovely. And I'm so glad that Cass saw that and made clear it was HIS wish and that Dean can't save everyone he loves, no matter how hard he tries, and that doesn't make it HIS failure. Sometimes, they don't want to be saved. And he called him "my friend." Awww!!!

But I am just loving that Dean still has those killer instincts, because you can tell that something is still screaming out at him that something is wrong, he just doesn't know what yet. It's like he's torn, because he's glad to have Castiel back, but something inside of him is saying, "Danger, Dean Winchester, Danger!"

I am so fed up with Kevin and Mrs. Tran. I mean, what kind of dumbass move was that to hire a witch off Craigslist? And then to roll her eyes at Sam when Sam called her on it? Dude, I think Sam deserves to get his roll eyes a lot, but in this case, it was totally not earned! YOU WERE FREAKING STUPID! And got your son captured and his finger cut off. Because you were stupid! Ugh. At least they are Garth's problem now.

So, this whole thing with the compendium of tablets. Has to mean there is something more here. Because if Carver has a three year plan for this story, it can't just be the whole "closing the gates of Hell" thing. There's got to be more. I just hope it's more exciting than it has been so far.

Color me a little chilled by Amanda Tapping's Naomi. I'm intrigued. And why is she focused so much on the boys? Could it be that they will call back to the whole "vessels" thing? Could we actually have some resolution to Dean being THE Archangel's vessel?

And Crowley has just passed the line of no return. He's gone too far to keep around, they need to get him soon.

I don't like that Crowley got his hands on Samadrial and was able to torture him and interrogate him. That was too much for me. I don't like him being able to do that with an angel.

There were some great special effects in this one. The escape from Purgatory, Sam using the demon bomb, Castiel powering up. Very cool.

I really hope this isn't the last of the Purgatory scenes. I love those! And I loved seeing Dean, Castiel, and Benny together. And wow, Benny and Dean really are "Blood Brothers!" LOL!!!

And I just love how Castiel was trying to appear to Dean. Kept "haunting" him until he could really appear. And appeared in the bathroom to him, LOL! That was great. I am just so glad that they didn't sacrifice the Dean/Castiel friendship in anyway with this storyline. Whew! So relieved!

Final note...Dean is looking damn hot and fierce this season. I APPROVE!

Edited by Parcae3, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:27 PM.

[Vaya]

Also, Crowley is more powerful than Angels, now?

I think its more a deficiency on the part of the Angels. Crowley comments on the power grid being out of whack.

Although, it could be Naomi let poor Alphie get kidnapped. And now Crowley has an Angel Sword, which I first assumed was the one that Meg had but it occurred to me that Alphie probably had one too. At least now we know Alphie's failure to rescue Mrs. Tran wasn't just shitty writing.

I am so fed up with Kevin and Mrs. Tran. I mean, what kind of dumbass move was that to hire a witch off Craigslist?

Seriously....

you hire witches off of Witchvox. Duh.

Edited by Vaya, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:26 PM.

[WynterWolf]

I think its more a deficiency on the part of the Angels. Crowley comments on the power grid being out of whack.

I think that was part of Cas' problem too, basically I think their network is down.

[hat]

But I am just loving that Dean still has those killer instincts, because you can tell that something is still screaming out at him that something is wrong, he just doesn't know what yet. It's like he's torn, because he's glad to have Castiel back, but something inside of him is saying, "Danger, Dean Winchester, Danger!"

I know. I felt that Dean still thinks not all is right with Castiel and it is interesting that Naomi asked for Cas to tell her about the Winchesters instead of just Kevin.

[MelindaBB]

That last conversation between Dean and Cas was gorgeous. That's how you do tough love when you really do love somebody... just the right combination of firm and caring. These writers are great at dialogue - I'd forgotten about that - and the guys played it just right.

Forgot to mention, the prophets thinking Crowley was an alien? Hysterical. :)

[Blackmantra53]

Oh how long I have awaited Castiel, and how nice to see him completely absolve Dean of any wrong-doing during the escape attempt. ( I am also pleased that Benny had nothing to do with the matter.)
What is this new power that accentuates Castiel's beautiful blue eyes so well? I would like more, please!
I would like to know who the "they" were that told Benny of the portal.
Sam appears to be schizephrenic; thoughtless and cruel last week, diligent and sympathetic this week, and I would appreciate an explaination for his inconsistent personality very shortly.

Very nice to see Crowley and some definitive mevement on the tablets but Mrs. Tran needs to be kept on a very short leash because Craigslist? Really? I thought she was smart and sensible, as evidenced by the water rifle and bringing the demon to the Winchesters.

In total, a wonderful tour de force for Jensen and Misha and definitely worth more than one re-watch.

[Vaya]

I would appreciate an explaination for his inconsistent personality very shortly.

No thanks, it would be more flashbacks.

Frankly I approve of this pattern of Sam not saying much.

eta: Although at the end when Dean and Cas are talking and reminding me why I care so much more about their relationship then anything else this show tries to get me care about and aw they're gonna hug, or Dean is going to unleash a single manly tear, but then Sam shows up and I'm like, damnit Sam go away, you've been good and quiet this episode don't ruin it for me!

Edited by Vaya, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:36 PM.

[awab]

Good part: Dean and Cas! The OTP stays. They can keep Benny though :)
But Dean and Cas working together is the core of this show.

Was I the one hoping that Kevin's mother is killed for good? She's so stupid and annoying I expect her to be a demon or mess with Winchester's plan again.

So, Sam is bipoloar, right? Or the writers of this episode? Since when is Sam all caring, sharing and supportive? Not that I mind, but it's at complete opposite of every other episode this season. The whiplash is extremely painful. And makes no sense.

So much this! It looked like this ep was supposed to be on air before the previous one when all things became heated.

What is this new power that accentuates Castiel's beautiful blue eyes so well? I would like more, please!

I was wondering, with all the mentions is Cas Metathron now?

Edited by awab, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:35 PM.

[muffilator]

Solid episode. Good to have Cas back. That last scene set up interesting possibilities. Where did this bunch of angels come from? Was Naomi really an angel, or some other being?

I liked how the brothers relationship played out this week. Disagreements were put away when Dean was flailing in the middle of the night. But Sam was on a different track this episode -- apart from almost all the action. Sometimes your sibling isn't your best friend, and that's ok.

Samandriel was a waste, but I guess he could still be alive. Chuck is, presumably, dead or somehow pulling the puppet strings again.

[hat]

Chuck is, presumably, dead or somehow pulling the puppet strings again.

Wasn't Chuck supposed to be God?

So, Sam is bipoloar, right? Or the writers of this episode? Since when is Sam all caring, sharing and supportive? Not that I mind, but it's at complete opposite of every other episode this season. The whiplash is extremely painful. And makes no sense.

Sam probably feels better now that he thinks he's got Dean under his thumb again.

Edited by hat, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:39 PM.

[amazinglybored]

So either Sam is bipolar/schizophrenic, or the writers just do whatever with him (these one's see him as sympathetic and mature?) and JP can't or won't bring any continuity to it. Sadly, this was an improvement over last week only because he was easier to ignore. Although I did think the 'survivor's guilt' bit was heavy handed and an attempt to put Sam in the right, also dismissive of what Dead was going through.

The Trans need to go the way of pretty much every character in this show and die. Crowley too, he's gone too far and just isn't as entertaining as he used to be.

I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed Castiel being back, I thought the play on perception with leaving purgatory was simple and well done. I forgot how well he understands Dean and how well that can come off; it does show how Sam doesn't get his own brother though.

Dean was awesome in this episode, and it was a poignant reminder of just how messed up he is and how people prey on that. Badass Dean FTW.

Jensen and Misha nailed that scene, JA is ridiculous this season. Acting and looks.

[exit only]

So, Sam is bipoloar, right? Or the writers of this episode? Since when is Sam all caring, sharing and supportive? Not that I mind, but it's at complete opposite of every other episode this season. The whiplash is extremely painful. And makes no sense.

Sam even started back up on his lithium in your honor (or he had a lobotomy, I'm not sure which.)

Seriously. It looks like the show just realized how much of a dick Sam was coming off as in the previous episodes, so they just stopped it here and had him be happy that Castiel came back from purgatory, compared to how he acted when and since Dean got back, and then they actually had him be concerned about Dean with regard to Purgatory.

Please Show, stop with the stupid ass angst if you're not going to deal with it and resolve it. The Continuity Fairy must have gotten drunk and passed out in between last week's episode and this episode.

Loved the Purgatory scenes! I hope Benny sticks around.

In total, a wonderful tour de force for Jensen and Misha and definitely worth more than one re-watch.

IA. Jensen and Misha were fantastic.

[Vaya]

What is this new power that accentuates Castiel's beautiful blue eyes so well? I would like more, please!

I don't think it was actually a new power, I think it was rather he was pushing himself to appear more powerful and stronger than he was (Crowley says "you're bluffing" but then Cas got up, raised his rapier at him and told him to drop his sword with a great flourishing of music)

He's actually flared up before, but not like this, its usually been a fast thing that we don't see (ie after Eve was killed and he destroyed all the monsters in the diner)


As for Naomi, the Metatron and Cas....well the Metatron was last seen as Alan Rickman bitching about blood on his shirt (love that movie) so the possibilities:

Naomi IS the Metatron in disguise which is why she is now in charge.

Naomi is looking for the Metatron and the Winchesters are a special interest to her because girl's not made of stone.

Naomi has the Metatron hidden away somewhere and is after the other tablets (she was disappointed that it broke in half and very likely she was the one who sent Alphie down to the auction for it earlier)

Naomi is one of the Nephilim (I was wondering if they were ever going to tackle this bit of Angel lore and it would be interesting if they did) and they are trying to shut down Heaven and Hell to make their own power play, for which they need the tablets.

Any combo therein....

[muffilator]

Wasn't Chuck supposed to be God?

Cas said he doesn't know what happened to Chuck, but there can only be one prophet at a time. Chuck is presumed dead. Death said God can be reaped. If he (He?) isn't dead, then perhaps he is Naomi's boss, compatriot, or adversary.

You would think Cas would have tried to find Joshua at some point, but that seemed beyond the reach of the previous writing team.


ETA: Vaya, love the Nephilim idea.

Edited by muffilator, Nov 14, 2012 @ 10:49 PM.

[Vaya]

JP can't or won't bring any continuity to it.

I think this is part of the problem.

Cas has been inconsistent and changing (or as the witch put it, "mercurial" which cracked me up) but Misha Collins has the acting chops to make it work, which frankly JP doesn't seem to have. Its not that he's bad per se, just he's up against two really, really good actors and writers who can't find their own assholes half the time.

Although he does have that face scrunching thing he does to emote so ymmv.

[Lemuria]

I'm firmly in the bipolar camp and that Sam was off his meds last week. I envision, after the credits came up, that Dean drove immediately to a pharmacy to refill Sammy's prescription, all the while talking slowly and soothingly. (Of course, it still doesn't explain Sam's tendency to quit whenever the going gets tough, but hey, one thing at a time.)

And the next time Sam reveals something that is deeply affecting him, I hope Dean remembers Sam's approach to such disclosures and gives Sam a manly pat on the shoulder before going to the bathroom.

Dean, oh Dean. You take so much on yourself. I thought the parts with Dean and Cas were just fucking fantastic! I love how Cas understands Dean in a way that Sam never has.

The Dean and Cas scenes were just pitch perfect, as were the scenes in Purgatory. It's interesting that Dean seems to be way better understood and appreciated by people who are not (as another poster noted) related to him by blood, and who have known him five years or less.

I loved that, while Cas was trying to convince Dean not to always take all the blame and responsibility on himself, he also appreciated that Dean kept trying to save everyone even if he knew, deep down, he couldn't. to paraphrase a famous line: "'Tis better to have tried and failed, then never to have tried at all."

I think Dean and Cas are a lot alike.

In a number of ways, but what we were shown here was that both of them take all the responsibility on themselves. Cas didn't want to leave Purgatory because he believed he deserved it, because he needed to do penance. Dean sees every loss as a failure on his part. As we saw last week, some part of Dean recognizes that, in some cases, such as Sam and Ruby and the demon blood, a lot of the fault lies in the choices the other person has made, but the other part of Dean blames himself for not being able to either keep the person from making those choices or, failing that, saving Sam, er, them from the consequences of those choices.

killer instincts

I liked that Dean knew that a demon was standing behind him, even though there was no external indication (such as noise behind him). I wonder if it's something he developed even more strongly in Purgatory. And boy, was he badass in those Purgatory flashbacks. I love that Dean!

[hat]

I really hope the purgatory flashbacks continue and I really, really, hope that Benny isn't bad and keeps coming back every once in a while.

[kara714]

So I guess the slice of Kevin was his finger. Hee!

Awesome episode. One of the best of the season. Jensen and Misha brought the magic and Dean and Cas continue to enthrall me with their messy, complicated but their mutually adoring relationship.

I enjoyed all the characters tonight. Yes, even Sam. Please keep him on his meds show. It's the only way I can tolerate him. At this point, I don't even care if the brothers resolve anything, so long as Sam stops being such a nasty dickhead to Dean.

Osiric Chau is a hottie and I enjoyed him a lot more this episode. I hope they stop dumbing him down now. Sam with Mrs. Tran. They've realized that they're amateurs and the Winchesters do what needs to be done so hopefully the lesson will stick.

I am intrigued by the angel boss lady. I wonder what she is up to. Obviously there's a tablet out there that has to do with angels as well. Poor Cas, though. He's going to be devastated when he realizes he's being brainwashed to spy on Dean and Sam. But it's an intriguing storyline so bring it on, Carver.